"Postdoctoral Researcher in Laminar fMRI of Natural Auditory Scene Processing"

Job Summary

Help uncover how the brain transforms sound into meaning using laminar fMRI and AI in a groundbreaking ERC Synergy project on real-world auditory scene perception. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will investigate how the brain represents and transforms acoustic signals into semantic understanding using advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Responsibilities

• Designing, conducting, and analyzing laminar fMRI experiments related to auditory scene perception.
• Integrating neuroimaging results with predictions from AI models of sound scene analysis.
• Coordinating research activities and mentoring PhD candidates.
• Publishing research in leading journals and presenting at international conferences.
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team across institutions.
• Contributing to teaching activities in neuroscience or cognitive science (up to 0.1 FTE).

Qualifications and Requirements

• Hold a PhD in neuroimaging, neurophysics, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience with ultra-high field or laminar fMRI, including acquisition and data analysis.
• Fluent in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for advanced data analysis.
• Comfortable with model-based techniques such as RSA, encoding/decoding, or connectivity models.
• Strong publication record and ability to thrive in collaborative, international research environments.
• Passion for auditory neuroscience, cognitive modeling, or related domains.
• Clear communicator, able to coordinate research activities and support PhD candidates.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• Independent, well-organized, and motivated to push boundaries in brain science.

What the Employer Offers

Employment at Maastricht University, the most international university in the Netherlands. The position is graded in scale 10 with a salary ranging from €3,546 to €5,538 gross per month based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week. Additional benefits include an 8.0% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus, a 24-month contract with possible extension, flexible working hours, partial home working, 29 vacation days plus 4 additional public holidays, and opportunities for personal and professional development.